W O R K S H O P
‘WELDING
BOOTS’...
Many large project sites and smaller
workshops in Australia and New Zealand
have made it mandatory that all workers
wear lace-up, zip sided boots to prevent rolled
ankles and allow for quick removal. This may
make sense for the majority of workers but not for
welders.
The Welding Processes Code of Practice released
by Safe Work Australia states that foot protection
worn by welders should be “non-slip, heat and fire
resistant” and that “welders should avoid using
foot protection that has the potential to capture
hot sparks and metal debris”, using ‘laces’ as an
example of what not to wear.
Laces introduce a new hazard to the welder as
molten metal, sparks and hot debris are collected
in a focused capture point. The burn risk to the
welder is significantly increased especially if the
boots worn are not heat or fire resistant.
Simply put, if your welding boots have laces, they
are not welding boots and they put you at risk.
Welders are exposed to unique risks that other
workers may not encounter. These include heat,
spatter, sparks and potentially flames. Welders
wear unique personal protective equipment (PPE)
like welding helmets, welding gloves and welding
aprons so why are they not wearing appropriate
welding boots? Welding boots should be non-slip
and be heat and fire-resistant. Avoid using foot
protection that has the potential to capture hot
sparks and metal debris, such as laced boots or
open-style shoes.
For further information refer to AS/NZS 2210:
(series) Occupational protective footwear and AS/
NZS 2210: Safety, protection and occupational
footwear – guide to selection, care and use.
O N E S I Z E D O E S N O T F I T A L L
Safety, protective and occupational footwear
should be worn to reduce injuries to feet. Different
situations or work duties pose different risks
therefore it’s important to identify the specific risk/s
associated with each duty. What is good for the
majority may not be good for all.
Making it mandatory that welders wear boots
with laces while welding is increasing the risk to
welders’ health and safety. It is not suitable for
IF YOU HAVE LACED
THEY ARE NOT WELDING BOOTS
50 June 2018